Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey to the sun-drenched island of Sicily? Then get ready to make some cannolis! These crispy, fried pastry shells filled with a luscious sweet ricotta cream are a true testament to Italian dessert artistry. This traditional Sicilian cannoli recipe is easier than you might think, promising a delicious homemade treat that will impress your family and friends. It’s a perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals, making it a delightful quick dinner idea for special occasions or a simple yet satisfying end to any day.
Ingredients:
For the Cannoli Shells:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup lard (or vegetable shortening)
- 1 large egg yolk
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Ricotta Filling:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (whole milk is best)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chopped candied orange peel (optional)
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
Making the Cannoli Shells:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add wet ingredients: Make a well in the center and add the wine, lard, and egg yolk.
- Mix the dough: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing with a fork until a smooth dough forms. If it's too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
- Rest the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in crispier shells.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough very thinly (about 1/16 inch).
- Cut the circles: Use a 4-inch cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut out circles.
- Wrap around cannoli tubes: Wrap each circle tightly around a cannoli tube (metal tubes are ideal, but you can improvise with sturdy straws or dowels).
- Fry the shells: Heat vegetable oil in a deep saucepan or pot to 375°F (190°C). Carefully fry the cannoli tubes in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.
- Cool the shells: Remove the shells from the oil and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Gently remove the tubes once cool.
Making the Ricotta Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat the ricotta cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, mini chocolate chips, vanilla extract, candied orange peel (if using), and cinnamon (if using). Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Fill the shells: Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill the cooled cannoli shells with the ricotta cream.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the filled cannoli with extra chocolate chips, candied fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for later enjoyment.
Tips for Perfect Cannoli:
- Use good quality ricotta: The flavor of the filling depends heavily on the ricotta. Whole milk ricotta is the best choice.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Fry the cannoli shells in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent them from sticking together.
- Cool completely: Allow the shells to cool completely before filling them to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
- Get creative with fillings: Experiment with different fillings, such as pistachio cream, chocolate ganache, or even a fruit compote.
Variations:
- Mini Cannoli: Use smaller cookie cutters to create bite-sized cannoli.
- Chocolate Dipped Cannoli: Dip the filled cannoli shells in melted dark or milk chocolate for an extra decadent treat.
Nutritional Information (per cannoli, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your cannoli and the specific ingredients used. A rough estimate would place the caloric content between 200-300 calories per cannoli. For a more precise calculation, use a nutritional calculator with your specific ingredients and measurements.
Making these delicious Sicilian cannolis is a rewarding culinary experience. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is perfect for creating a special treat. Enjoy this taste of Italy!